US Congress approves Russia sanctions bill, sends to President Trump

Washington’s House of Representatives and Senate have both passed a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia, and the legislation now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature. The bill, described by lawmakers as the most expansive set of measures since the 2014 annexation of Crimea, aims to intensify economic pressure on Moscow as the conflict in Ukraine enters its second year.

The legislation imposes new restrictions on Russian financial institutions, curtails access to U.S. technology for the country’s energy and defense sectors, and expands the list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes and travel bans. It also authorizes additional funding for Ukraine’s military assistance and strengthens enforcement mechanisms for existing sanctions. If signed, the bill would mark a significant escalation in the United States’ strategy to compel Russia to cease hostilities in Ukraine, reinforcing a broader international effort to isolate the Kremlin economically and diplomatically.